The chapters towards the end of Fool's Fate that I had just read before doing this piece really put a strong image in my mind of the Fool and a very specific expression, so I'm glad that the emotion comes across in his eyes. Robin Hobb, why you gotta put your poor characters (and us, the readers) through the ringer the entire way through?! xD

I'm glad and honored to be a reliable source of crack for you! And it's just awesome that we seem to have so many overlapping tastes/fandoms. I started on these books out of the blue and it turns out you've read them in the past... that just makes me smile.

Have you read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, by any chance? It might be right up your alley. It's book one in a trilogy that plays with the dangers and pleasures of religious devotion, magic and mystery, hijinks among the high-born... good stuff!

Haven't heard of the series before... but I'm always on the look out for quality fantasy and your recommendation sounds intriguing ('specially the musing on religious devotion and high-born antics). Looks like I have something else to read once I finish Robin Hobb's stuff!